Europe Day 2009
Europe Day 2009 kicked off with the now traditional annual Football Festival organised by the European Parliament Office in Malta. This event was held at the Floriana Football Club where forty football nurseries took part in friendly non-competitive football.
The event was opened by Dr. Julian Vassallo, Head of Office, who explained the historic importance of Europe Day. The young footballers then proceeded to enthusiastically participate in the games.
A visit was then made by President of the Republic of Malta, H.E. Dr. George Abela, who being an avid sportsman was warmly welcomed by those present. H.E. Dr. Abela had words of praise for the sportive atmosphere and congratulated the EPIO for fostering this team spirit and sense of fun and tying it with such an important milestone in European history.
All participating nurseries were presented with footballs as a token of the event.
Simultaneously, the EPIO together with the EC Representation in Malta organised a debate in the National Parliament between Girl Guides and a selection of Members of Parliament. This debate was chaired by the Speaker of the House Dr. Louis Galea. Various issues were brought up by the Girl Guides ranging from Education, to Social Policy, the Environment and Healthcare.
Some 500 girl guides participated in a number of workshops in a square just outside the President's Palace. Each workshop took place under a tent and ran around a central often social theme all with a link to Europe.. It was a fun filled educational morning with children of all ages participating actively in the workshops and with the additional presence of the passing public. Animators ensured a lively atmosphere.
The EU Commissioner for Fisheries and Maritime Affairs Dr. Joe Borg was present throughout the events. The highlight of the morning was the visit made by H.E. Dr. George Abela who also participated in the workshops and interacted wholly with both the public and the girl guides present at the stands.
H.E. Dr. George Abela was welcomed by band marches performed by the Armed Forces of Malta after which the President addressed the crowd highlighting the significance and importance of Europe Day. The Speaker of the House then presented the girl guides who participated in the parliamentary debate with tokens commemorating the day.
A huge cake celebrating Europe's birthday was cut by the President of the Republic, a representative of the young football players and a girl guide as well as the Head of the EPIO and the EC Delegation. The event came to a close by a small reception held in the courtyard of the President's palace.
